Can PoA Be Considered a ‘Permissioned’ Blockchain?

PoA is generally considered a public, permissionless blockchain due to its PoW component, which allows anyone to mine a block template. However, the PoS validation phase can introduce elements of permissioning if the staker set is limited or pre-selected.

If the staker selection is truly random and open to all coin holders, it remains permissionless. If a central authority controls the staker list, it leans toward a permissioned model.